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Title: A highly miniaturized vacuum package for a trapped ion atomic clock

Journal Article · · Review of Scientific Instruments
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4948739· OSTI ID:1259538

We report on the development of a highly miniaturized vacuum package for use in an atomic clock utilizing trapped ytterbium-171 ions. The vacuum package is approximately 1 cm3 in size and contains a linear quadrupole RF Paul ion trap, miniature neutral Yb sources, and a non-evaporable getter pump. We describe the fabrication process for making the Yb sources and assembling the vacuum package. To prepare the vacuum package for ion trapping, it was evacuated, baked at a high temperature, and then back filled with a helium buffer gas. Once appropriate vacuum conditions were achieved in the package, the package was sealed with a copper pinch-off and was then pumped only by the non-evaporable getter. We demonstrated ion trapping in this vacuum package and the operation of an atomic clock, stabilizing a local oscillator to the 12.6 GHz hyperfine transition of 171Yb+. The fractional frequency stability of the clock was measured to be 2 × 10-11 / τ1/2.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
1259538
Report Number(s):
SAND2015-10505J; RSINAK; 614696
Journal Information:
Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 87, Issue 5; ISSN 0034-6748
Publisher:
American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 31 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Cited By (5)

Compact laser system for a laser-cooled ytterbium ion microwave frequency standard journal March 2019
Nonselective Paul ion trap loading with a light-emitting diode journal September 2019
Laser-cooled ytterbium-ion microwave frequency standard journal October 2019
Compact laser system for a laser-cooled ytterbium ion microwave frequency standard text January 2018
Stand-alone vacuum cell for compact ultracold quantum technologies journal September 2021

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